The risk of rotational loadshedding remains high for this evening but will only be
implemented if absolutely necessary
Thursday, 2 August 2018: Eskom did not implement loadshedding yesterday and this
morning. The electricity system remains constrained with a high probability of rotational
loadshedding this evening from 5pm to 9pm as a result of the industrial action which
continues to impact operations at Eskom’s sites.
Eskom and organised labour will again meet today through the Commission for
Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to resolve the impasse. We are hopeful
that all parties will put South Africa first as we endeavour in finding an amicable solution.
The South African Police Services continue to maintain order and enable safe access to
power stations as these are National Key Points.
As a result of the industrial action, Eskom direct customers may experience a delay in
response and restoration times of localised power outages.
Eskom will advise if loadshedding will be conducted in either stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 or
stage 4, dependent on the capacity shortage. Stage 1 requires 1000MW to be rotationally
loadshed nation-wide, stage 2 requires 2000MW, stage 3 requires 3000MW and stage 4
calls for up to 4000MW to be rotationally loadshed nationally at a given period.
Loadshedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power
system from a total collapse or blackout.
We encourage residents and businesses to please use electricity sparingly to ease the
demand of electricity. Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and
electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand.
Customers are advised to keep checking their load shedding schedules on the Eskom or
municipal website, and plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.
For Eskom customers, these schedules are available on the Eskom website
(https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za). Eskom customers can also contact our customer
contact centre at 0860 037 566.
Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all the
media platforms.